About Southampton Dry Stack Limited

The Principals of this company, Bill Knight and Hugh Fogerty, have many years experience in the Marina Business running high profile Marinas in the Solent area. Their belief has always been that boating should be painless for people who want to enjoy their leisure time. Both pride themselves with offering the highest possible customer service and therefore customers who use the Southampton Dry Stack facility will not be disappointed. Dry Stacking of boats has been very popular in the USA for many years and customers have seen the many benefits of using this system instead of the standard wet Marina berth. Southampton Dry Stack is the largest facility in the UK to offer both an undercover and open Dry Stack option.

Meet the Team

Bill Knight – Director: Having obtained his yacht-master power and sail qualifications after university, he spent many years working in the Caribbean and France instructing. On his return to the UK he joined a large marina operator and ran  'Ocean Village', (marina and commercial estate) for them. After a trip to Florida where ‘Dry Stacking’ your boat is the norm, it seemed the ideal venture to set up for the benefit of Solent boat owners. 

Hugh Fogerty  - Director: Hugh was born and raised in Ireland and was involved in Banking for 25 years. While undergoing a mid life crises took part in the BT Global Challenge as First mate on ‘Ocean Rover’. On return and having experienced 18 months living on a boat which fuelled his love of boating he decided to change career and enter the Marine industry. After managing a couple of Marinas in Southampton in 2005 decided that, together with Bill Knight, to start Southampton Dry Stack.  

Joe Thomas– careers in the marine industry too many to list, which is a good thing as he is very knowledgeable about everything boatie!  As a proud Welshman he enjoys taking £5 off Hugh when Wales beat Ireland in the Rugby.  He was lucky enough to go round Britain in a rib in 2010 – but also loves a bit of sailing on the Pembrokeshire coast with his family.  Nothing seems to be too much trouble for Joe and yes is normally the answer – what’s the question?  

Paul Smith– is the most memorable member of the team with him being ginger! He first got into boating via rowing and has always had a love of the water. Ran the Commercial Estate at Ocean Village Marina for four years before joining the Dry Stack nearly five years ago. He is a passionate Saints fan – so is no stranger to up’s and down’s and is also a petrol head through and through and loves Formula 1 and has done a few track days. Known by the team as Mr Tickle due to his freakishly long arms.

Rob Mills: - The newest member of the team and joins us from Bembridge Harbour where he worked for 5 years as the berthing master. Rob has always had a passion for boats and has previously worked as a skipper on a 90ft sailing training yacht.  He is a keen biker, loves F1 and Southampton Football Club.   

How Dry Stack Works

Simply phone us an hour before you would like to use your boat and we will have it waiting on the pontoons upon arrival. If you simply to decide to use the boat on the spur of the moment, all you need to do is inform the team as you arrive and your boat will be launched as soon as possible – usually within 15 minutes. In the meantime you can enjoy the customer waiting area for refreshments and buying those last minutes things you may have forgotten.

Additional Services

  • Boat Valeting
  • Engine Servicing
  • Tube repairs
  • Car Valeting
  • Brokerage
  • Engine flushing
  • Winter Storage packages
  • Summer seasonal packages
  • Daily rates available
  • Trailer Storage
  • Brokerage
  • Boat repairs
  • Trailer rental